Ill. Ralph C. Shelton II, 33°
We are nearing year-end, and it has been quite an exciting year. The Valley has experienced a net positive growth in membership and, more importantly, a dramatic increase in engagement over the past year. Our Blue Slipper club has grown and flourished from just a couple of ladies to a much larger group who have planned a trip of their own – and by the publication of this newsletter, they will have enjoyed a weekend together in Solvang.
Your Valley leadership has really stepped up this year, and I believe they have built momentum that will carry forward. At our Fall Reunion we theatrically presented not just the required five, but an additional two, for a total of seven degrees. This has not happened in Orange County Valley for many years, and we can thank Director of the Work James Olivier for his hard work and that of his team and cast.
Our programs have been great, and remember that December is our annual Christmas Party for the Language Center staff and families. Circle December 9 boldly – you won’t want to miss this event.
I could go on – and on – about the successes of your Valley, but the best way to learn about it is to join us at our monthly meeting. And for those of you who cannot, we are diligently working to include you, whether you are homebound or out of state. We have gradually returned our committee and event reports to the dining room, outside the tiled meeting, which will ultimately allow you to engage remotely.
We have listened to your suggestions, and we know you sought to join the Scottish Rite for information, education, and further light. So we have gradually worked to narrow the tiled meeting to opening, approving bills, balloting and closing, with Valley activities, committee reports and our quality programs reserved to the non-tiled portion of the evening. That means that those who cannot physically attend will be able to engage remotely. It’s not an ideal solution, of course, as the in-person experience is much preferred, but those who really can’t get there will be able to submit their request for approval and “attend” to the extent possible.
You may have additional thoughts about how the Valley can be responsive to you, and I encourage you to reach out and let us know those thoughts. The Valley and its leadership are here to serve you and all of Orange County Freemasonry.
One other big development is the newly established relationship with the City of Orange. I was fortunate to meet with the Orange City Mayor and representatives of the Old Town Preservation Association who were in attendance at our Halloween Costume Ball, and they were very excited to get to know us and our host lodge, Orange Grove #293. They learned of our partnership with Chapman University and our educational programs as well as a bit of our history, and we are moving forward to develop a partnership with the City and the other organizations in the area as a first step toward a wider vision of establishing our place in the Orange County community.
As always, thank you all for your continued support of the Valley, and I look forward to seeing you at every opportunity.
